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Month: June 2022
Why You Need Fire Monitoring More Than You Realize
A fire can happen in an instant.
A spark ignites into a flame; a flame erupts into a blaze; a lifetime of memories and hard work goes up in smoke; literally.
Unfortunately, EMC Security knows all too well that fire happens – even to those who think it won’t happen to them. Countless fires around Georgia start in ways home and business owners weren’t prepared for or didn’t guard against. And the result of an unchecked blaze raging through a structure is most often devastating, even with insurance.
Ask anyone who has dealt with the aftermath of a fire and they will tell you of hardship, heartache and, many times, regret. One of the biggest regrets for most is not having proper fire detection methods installed or having no one to monitor those methods.
Fire Detection Systems
Fire protection through EMC Security is a simple addition to your comprehensive alarm monitoring service.
Adding smoke or heat detectors to your home security system may very well be the best decision you make when it comes to the safety and security of your loved ones. Our 24/7 monitoring center team is technically trained to handle the detection of a fire in a way that minimizes its effect. Faster detection results in faster emergency response times.
Protect Your Business
But fires don’t just happen at home, which is why our business services are equally comprehensive. In compliance with the increasingly complex local, state and national fire codes for businesses, we protect your assets so you can feel a little more secure. Our team of security experts will ensure that your facilities are safe and in compliance with rapidly changing and increasingly complex local, state, and national requirements. As part of our inspection process, we will thoroughly test and inspect all components in accordance with NFPA standards.
The best part about our fire alert service is that your monthly monitoring cost doesn’t change when you add it to your security system with EMC Security. Our home alarm monitoring rates start as low as $16.95 a month.
Contact EMC Security to protect your home and everything you love inside, from the threat of fire today.
Fire Safety for Pets
Our pets are part of the family and are just as vulnerable to fire as we are.
Below are a few tips to protect them in case of fire:
PREVENT YOUR PET FROM STARTING FIRES
Extinguish open flames – Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
Remove stove knobs – A stove or cook-top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
Invest in flameless candles – These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle.
KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE
Keep Pets Near Entrances When Away From Home – When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
Secure Young Pets – Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.
Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets.
Since Pets Left Alone Can’t Escape a Burning Home – Consider using monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted when you’re not home. Once fire and smoke detectors are in place, EMC Security monitors for
fire at no additional charge.
EMC Security Medical Alert Pendant Saves Another Elderly Customer!
The EMC Security monitoring center received a medical alert alarm from the pendant worn by a customer here in Georgia.
The customer is a 90-year old woman who lives alone.
After falling and lying on her kitchen floor, she needed help. She immediately pressed the button on her Medical Alert pendant. Speaking directly into the pendant, she was able to tell the medical monitoring center operator what happened. While on the line with one monitoring center operator, another operator was able to send emergency medical response teams to the customer’s home and contact her family members. Fortunately, the customer was fine. She has the EMC Security Medical Alert System that saved her from what could have been a terrible fate.
As our population ages, the prevalence of falls among older adults is increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in four older adults report a fall each year. In 2017, 31,190 older adults aged 65 and older died from preventable falls, and more than 3 million were treated in emergency departments.
Over the past 10 years, the number of older adult fall deaths has increased 58%, while emergency department visits have increased 40%. At the same time, the number of fall deaths among individuals younger than 65 increased 20% but the emergency department visits have decreased 13%.
The EMC Security Medical Alert System gives elderly loved ones the help they need when they need it, as well as giving the family members the peace of mind they deserve. Order on our website today!
Should I Add Glass Breaks To My System?
Glass breaks can be an important addition to your home security system.
Glass breaks are sensors that detect the sound frequency and percussion of glass breaking and send the signal to your home security system to activate the alarm.
So why would you need glass break sensors installed as a part of your security system if you already have door and window sensors?
Door and window sensors are only effective if the door or window is opened. If an intruder instead decides to break the glass of the window to enter your home, the window sensor won’t trigger the alarm. A glass break sensor will trigger the alarm when it detects the sound and vibration of the glass breaking.
So the question remains:
Should I add glass breaks to my security system?
It’s important to remember that glass break sensors are used to enhance the security system you already have in place to make it even more effective.
We would suggest glass break sensors for any home that features:
- Large windows
- Sliding glass doors
- Rooms with many windows, such as sun rooms
- Exterior doors with windows or decorative window panes
- Homes with windows that are painted shut
While homes with large windows provide extra sunlight and views, they’re also a potential target for would-be criminals. Glass break sensors can help protect you in the event a criminal tries to enter your home.
Learn more about security system components here.
Kids Home Alone? Introduce Them to Home Security
The effectiveness of your home’s security system relies on those who use it – and that includes your children.
If your children are old enough to be left home alone, use these tips for introducing them to home security and personal safety.
1. Make Sure They Are Ready
It is one thing for your child to operate your home security system while you’re there, but it’s totally different from when you are away.
Making sure your child is mature enough to use the system on their own is an important question of consideration. Most kids are left at home alone starting around age 12 or 13, but that doesn’t mean your child ready to handle the responsibility.
Your children should be able to interact with the home security system (arming it and disarming it) and be able to take care of themselves while they are at home alone.
2. Have a Training Session
Schedule time to train your child on the home security system. Make it exciting and avoid drawing out the process for too long.
Let your child know the purpose of the home security system (protecting your home and family), but keep the conversation positive and do not frighten or intimidate them.
3. Test It Out
After you’ve covered the steps of arming/disarming your home system with your child, test it out. Over the course of a few days, have them take charge of arming and disarming the system while under your supervision to make sure they know how to operate it.
Children can remain at home safely with a home security system. However, not all security systems are created equal.
If you are thinking about leaving your kids at home alone, consider updating your current home alarm to one that is kid-friendly and simple to use. An EMC Security professional can help you pick out the right alarm system for the entire family.
Learn more about teaching your children to use your home security system by contacting EMC Security. Need to purchase a home security system? Call today at (770) 963-0305 or visit us online www.emcsecurity.com.
Is a DIY Security System Right For You?
We’ve all seen the commercial and heard the ads on the radio. DIY – Self Install – security systems are very popular and easier than ever to set up, in many cases without the need for a professional.
Are you up to the task? You might choose a DIY home security system installation over a professional if you:
- Want to save some money
- Are comfortable DIYing
- Want a system installed on your time frame
- Are aware of your home’s security vulnerabilities
- Want to move your system
- Plan to add to your system over time
Let’s dive deeper:
- You Want to Save Money
This is the number one reason why people opt for DIY. Advanced technology makes it easier than ever to set up a security system yourself – potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
EMC Security goes a step further on our typical DIY systems. If you want one of our professional technicians to install it for you – we can do that for an extra fee. Being a local company gives us the flexibility to help you when you need us.
- You’re Comfortable DIY-ing
Handy with a screw driver? You’re already overqualified to install a basic home security system. EMC Security’s systems are pre-programmed for your home, pre-labeled for where the equipment is placed, and are set up without any tools needed. The peel-and-stick installation is quick and easy.
- You Want a System Installed on Your Time Frame
No appointments. No PTO needed. No waiting around. Once you receive your system, set it up whenever you want – in just minutes.
- You’re Aware of Your Home’s Security Vulnerabilities
If you are confident you can identify potential weaknesses and fortify them on your own, a DIY system makes sense for you. If not? Simply give us a call before making the purchase. An EMC Security representative will walk you through your home and customize the right system for you. Want to do everything online? Use our “Build Your System” tool to customize and purchase the perfect system for you home in seconds.
- You Want to Move Your System
Are you a renter? Do you move frequently? If you’re sure you want a security system but not sure you want to stay put, DIY home security systems are as easy to remove as they are to install. Since you put everything up with double-sided industrial tape, you can easily remove the equipment and take it with you. Another bonus – EMC Security can monitor you system anywhere in the US!
- You Plan to Add to Your System Over Time
With DIY installation, it’s easy to add equipment as you purchase it. Instead of having a pro come install every new sensor or camera you add to your home security system, you can take a few minutes to do it yourself. Consider adding security cameras and smart-home devices like lights and locks that work through the security app on your mobile device.
6 Things to Add to Your Moving Checklist
Summer is quickly approaching and some of you will be moving into your new home in a matter of weeks.
We know moving can be stressful, especially if you’re buying or selling your home. So every effort you can make to prepare for moving day will be worth it.
Here are 6 things to check off your list before you pull up to your new place
1. Change Your Address
The United States Postal Service offers a simple online process for changing your mailing address. There’s no need to wait in long lines or fill out pages of forms. You simply register on their website and they handle the rest. While you’re updating your address, remember to reach out to your insurance company, banks, credit card company and doctor’s office to let them know of your new mailing address.
2. Records Transfer
If your move isn’t local, you may need to transfer your family’s records. Your children’s school records should be transferred, as well as any doctor’s records reflecting their vaccination history. If you’re changing veterinarians, you should also request to transfer your pet’s records to the new clinic. Asking for copies of records or an automatic transfer before you move will make it easier to adjust when you arrive in your new neighborhood.
3. Moving Appliances
No matter how far you’re going, moving appliances requires a great deal of planning. In the weeks leading up to your move, try to use up all of the frozen food and perishable items from your freezer and refrigerator. And defrost your freezer at least 24 hours before your move. Remember, most moving companies do not disconnect or connect your appliances, so have them serviced within a few days of your move so they’ll be ready to go. Check back later this week for 3 more tips on making your move a smooth transition.
4. Car Registration
In Georgia, you have a 30-day grace period in which to register your vehicle but you must have a Georgia state license & acceptable insurance to do so.
5. Transfer Your Utilities
Make sure to transfer all of your utilities such as your gas, electricity, water, garbage, sewer, telephone, internet, cable, and your home security alarm services. To set up or transfer home security services, simply call us at 770.963.0305.
6. Pack Essentials
Nothing kills the buzz of your new home than not having toilet paper. Pack essentials like paper products, snacks, your toothbrush and phone chargers in a clearly labeled box. Keeping these close will make the transition to your new place much smoother.
A safe home is a happy home. Set up your home security system and/or a few security cameras today!
Safety Tips When Selling Your Home
Placing your home on the market shouldn’t result in increased risks to home security.
In fact, it’s in situations like this when you should amp up your protection even more. Why? Because when a real estate agent invites potential buyers into your home, their primary concern is selling your home, not with your valuables.
There have been many reports of homeowners being burglarized shortly after allowing prospective buyers inside. In these burglaries, small but expensive items such as jewelry and watches have been stolen.
If you are placing a house on the market now or in the future, EMC Security can help you protect your home in more ways than one. For instance, did you know that you can set your alarm keypad to grant access to certain people during specific times of the day? Want to monitor the activity inside your home from across town or while you’re at work? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few security tips to help you have a safer home selling experience:
1. Give Guest Code Authorization to Realtors
If you have an alarm system, avoid giving out your main security code (and if you don’t have a burglar alarm, get one!). Many modern systems allow you to program guest codes, some of which even make those codes usable only during certain times and on certain days. Requiring guests to use codes allow you to limit access to your home and can keep a log of when specific codes were used to enter your home. Assigning unique passwords to realtors also helps create an added sense of responsibility on the part of the realtor. Need help with this feature? Contact EMC Security at 770.963.0305 to check compatibility from one of our security experts.
2. Obligate Realtors to Re-arm Your System Before Leaving
In addition to ensuring certain that all doors are properly secured and locked, make it a requirement that realtors reactivate your system prior to leaving your home. It’s also a good idea to document your request with the broker by giving them written instructions pertaining to your request. Taking such strong precautions could mean the difference between your home being protected as opposed to being burglarized.
3. Use Indoor Home Surveillance Cameras
Whether hidden or placed in plain sight, surveillance cameras are a deterrent to theft and can be invaluable to protecting your property. In the worst-case scenario, they can provide evidence to police in the event of a crime. Some security cameras will even allow you to remotely monitor your home while away.
4. Check Your Windows
Even if you’ve instructed your realtor to check/lock your windows after each visit, it’s still recommended that you double check to ensure that all entry points to your home have been secured upon your return. Crafty burglars will sometimes unlock windows or doors with plans of returning later to execute their plan for theft. Also, a realtor may simply forget to secure one of these, so it is always a good idea to manually check yourself as soon as possible.
5. Remove or Secure Valuables
Don’t neglect to secure your valuables, such as money or jewelry when listing your home for sale. It’s not enough to simply place jewelry in a designated box or video games in a cabinet, as strangers will be allowed to roam throughout your home and may stumble upon these areas. If you don’t already own one, consider a wall safe or even removing them during open house visits.
Need a security system? Give EMC Security a call at 770.963.0305 or check out our website on how to customize the best home security system for your needs today.
